Derby County Not Ready For The Championship?

Paul Jewell is already questioning whether his current squad of players can make a meaningful impression in next season’s Championship.

‘We have played three Championship clubs in the cups this season – Blackpool, Sheffield Wednesday and Preston,’ said Jewell.

‘We lost on penalties to Blackpool, Wednesday took us to a replay and we beat them on penalties, and Preston murdered us 4-1.

‘All of those teams never got out of the bottom seven or eight of the Championship this season. For us to go into battle with this group of players next season, we would have another relegation fight on our hands.

‘Luckily, the season has finished and I’m glad to see the back of it. I’m going to change the whole mentality.’

‘The players are not good enough, we haven’t been good enough and I am the manager, I am part of that group,’ said Jewell, who has yet to win a League game since taking charge at the end of November.

He added: ‘I have got the desire and passion to have a good go at turning it round but too many of the players here haven’t, it is as simple as that. The demands of playing for a club like this will be too much for them.’

‘There is no fight, no desire, no will to run through a brick wall for the supporters. We have not got enough players who are prepared to scrap and we have gone down without a fight.

‘I don’t think the players care enough and that’s what happens when you get relegated. Players don’t think it is their fault and they will always get another chance but I don’t see too many of our players going to Premier League teams.’

Strong words indeed from Mr. Jewell. But given his managerial track record who would back against the team from Pride Park not being in the promotion mix this time next year?